Does Paper Affect Print Quality?

The answer is yes, paper does affect print quality since all paper is not created equal, and that’s a good thing!

The chemistry inherent on the surface of paper has a direct affect on the paper’s printability, its gloss, and its waterproofing qualities.

If you’ve ever tried to use the specific paper recommended for most laser and inkjet printers you might have noticed a considerable difference in the color output, specifically the clarity.

With lower quality paper, you may notice the ink starting to creep into spider-web-like veins away from the text or photograph being printed. This is a sure indication that you were using the wrong paper for the printer.

There are certain papers that can be printed upon whether using an offset printer or a digital laser or inkjet printer, but the quality of the output may be less than satisfactory for any given type of printer. The level of quality required will depend on the specific project and the intended audience for that project.

Bond paper with cotton fibers can successfully be used in monochrome laser printers. However, paper with ribbed, linen, eggshell, or tweed features might produce less than desirable results from the same digital laser printer. Colors can appear faded if the printer ink spreads into the fibers, and the output will appear less than professional for the audience in question.

Our printing experts here at PRI Graphics in Phoenix Arizona recommend that you always give your commercial printing company some idea of who your audience will be for your printing project, plus what kind of impression you want your print project to make on that audience. This kind of insight can help your commercial printer recommend the best quality paper for the print project, and the right printing equipment for your specific paper needs.

Your local printing company and commercial printers in general are not in the business of upselling you simply for the sake of upselling.

In the printing industry, the majority of customers are repeat clients so it is in the best interest of your printing company to always delivery the best quality product for your needs, at the best possible price!

As a family owned and operated commercial printer in Phoenix Arizona for the past 35 years, PRI Graphics takes great pride in ensuring that your final printed product is always appropriate and consistent with your needs and your budget.

About the Author

The print professionals at PRI Graphics in Phoenix and Mesa Arizona regularly write about digital printing, large format printing, CAD printing, and other custom printing services. Contact us or check back often for new ideas on how our Phoenix printing company can help show off your business!